Soap History

"Soap and water and common sense are the best disinfectants."

~ by William Osler

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Soap making is an ancient method which can be dated back to 2800BC Babylon era. Soap was originally produced by animal fat mixed with ashes, water and alkaline. According to Roman legend, soap was named after Mount Sapo, an ancient site for animal sacrifices. After the animals were sacrificed, animal fat and ash were washed down by the rain to a river. People found that their clothes were much cleaner when they were washed by some parts of the river water. 

The knowledge of how to make soap has been passed down for centuries and generations. From Europe to the Middle East to China, soap production kept improving. In the 17th century, the British were the first to successfully use sodium hydroxide (Caustic soda) with animal fat to make soap. This experiment and discovery brought soap production to a new era and gave birth to the commercial soap industry. The science, knowledge and experiences gained over time has allowed us to improve soap making. However, the focus on faster production and lower costs have taken hold of the soap industry. A range of different chemicals including surfactants, detergents and hardeners have been commonly used in soap manufacturing for decades. 

Commercial soap does have its convenience, it’s cheap and handy. But after more and more awareness that the toxicity from certain chemicals could potentially harm our health, people are now beginning to look for the more natural products. Thanks to the ancient soap makers, we now know that instead of using animal fat, we can use plant-based oils and all natural ingredients to make a beautiful soap bar with the same cleanness and better smell. It’s mild and very moisturising for your skin. 

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For centuries, soap is still the simplest product to keep us clean and healthy. Once regarded as a luxury product available only to royal families, you can now have that luxury brought to your everyday bath or shower time.